Pickleball Strategies for Shorter Players: Pickleball coach Morgan Evans has shared essential strategies for shorter players to maximize their potential on the court. Evans emphasizes that being shorter can be an advantage in several key areas, including positioning, dinking, and reacting to lobs. These tips can help players make the most of their height while competing effectively.
Positioning for Success
Evans advises shorter players to position themselves deeper in the court. By standing further back from the kitchen line, players gain more time to prepare for shots, particularly for dinking.
Although this positioning means fewer opportunities for volley dinks, it allows players to execute more precise and strategic shots. Additionally, standing further back reduces the risk of being lobbed, as players can better anticipate and react to lobbed shots.
Mastering the Slice Shot
One of the key techniques Evans recommends is slicing the ball during crosscourt dinks. “Being lower to the ground makes slicing easier,” Evans explains. Shorter players have an advantage here, as they are naturally positioned to execute this shot with precision.
The slice requires the paddle to glide under the ball, something that can be harder for taller players. Evans advises using a continental grip, keeping the paddle at a right angle to the forearm, and following through with minimal backswing for accuracy.
Anticipating the Lob
Lobs are a common challenge when facing shorter players, as opponents may target their height. Evans encourages players to anticipate these lobs by staying in an athletic stance with knees bent and feet a little wider than shoulder-width.
This stance allows for quick lateral movement to track and return the ball. Evans also recommends a “trophy position,” where the left hand is up, tracking the ball, and the body forms right angles for optimal power and control when returning the lob.
News in Brief: Pickleball Strategies for Shorter Players
Pickleball coach Morgan Evans shares key strategies for shorter players, including positioning deeper in the court, mastering the slice shot for crosscourt dinks, and anticipating lobs.
These techniques help maximize agility, dinking effectiveness, and endurance, turning perceived height disadvantages into strengths. Evans emphasizes the importance of positioning, the continental grip, and athletic stances for success.
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